Immune-Targeted Therapy Trends: The Future of Chronic Skin Diseases

1. Immune-Targeted Therapy Trends for Chronic Diseases

Biologics are products, specifically large protein molecules, produced from living cells and used to treat or prevent diseases. In Vietnam, quite a few types of “biologics” have become widely used, such as insulin for the treatment of diabetes, vaccines for disease prevention, and blood products.

2. Biologics Are Commonly Indicated for Chronic Skin Diseases

In dermatology, biologics are commonly indicated for chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus, and urticaria. In these conditions, some immune system cells become overactive or “misidentify” certain components of the skin as foreign substances and attack them. Biologics block signaling pathways or selectively inactivate a small part of the immune system, thereby providing therapeutic effects.

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To develop a biologic product that provides therapeutic efficacy, extensive basic research is required beforehand, including identifying the signaling pathways involved in the disease, thereby laying the foundation for the development of specific biological molecules that act on the disease pathway.

For example, in pemphigus, a blistering disorder in which the body identifies the connections between keratinocytes in the skin as foreign substances and attacks them, numerous studies have been conducted, leading to the official introduction of the biologic drug rituximab into the treatment of the disease.

3. Immune-Targeted Treatment for Chronic Skin Diseases

In Vietnam, basic research has also been conducted on this disease to lay the foundation for introducing new biologics into treatment. One such study investigated interleukin-6 levels in pemphigus.

The study found that blood levels of interleukin-6 in patients with pemphigus were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals. Based on these findings, biologic drugs that inhibit interleukin-6 activity have been proposed as a feasible treatment approach for the disease in the future. In addition, psoriasis is also a very common condition in the community, and many biologics have been and are being used worldwide, with high treatment efficacy.

When indicated, patients with psoriasis may also have access to high-quality and effective biologic treatments, as well as regular follow-up and consultations with dermatologists at the Department of Dermatology and Aesthetic Dermatology. Patients will be examined by a doctor and undergo the necessary tests before biologic treatment is prescribed.

For example, when treating psoriasis with biologics at the Department of Dermatology and Aesthetic Dermatology, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, patients will undergo an examination to determine disease severity, as well as laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, including a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, hepatitis B and C screening, tuberculosis screening, and chest X-ray.

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When treating chronic skin diseases with biologics, it is important to be aware that side effects may occur, and a dermatologist will provide appropriate counseling. In addition, information about potential side effects is provided with the prescribed biologic product. The most important adverse effect to be aware of is an increased risk of infection. Therefore, patients need to be screened for infectious diseases before receiving biologic treatment.

In addition, biologics may carry a risk of allergic reactions, ranging from mild symptoms such as redness and swelling at the injection site to anaphylaxis. Therefore, after receiving a biologic injection, patients will remain at the healthcare facility for a period of time for monitoring.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.